Grindelwald First Gondola
Experience the 'Top of Adventure' at Grindelwald First, with thrilling ziplines, cliff walks, and stunning alpine hikes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear views & fewer crowds
Grindelwald First Gondola
Best Time
Clear views & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the 'Top of Adventure' at Grindelwald First, with thrilling ziplines, cliff walks, and stunning alpine hikes.
"Amazing views but too many tourists, all the adventures have to wait for at least 2 hours."
🎯 Arrive Early for Gondola
Lines for the Grindelwald-First gondola can get long. Arrive before opening to beat the crowds and maximize your adventure time.
🎫 Swiss Travel Pass Discount
If you have a Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Pass, you can get a discount on the round-trip gondola ticket.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
First Cliff Walk by Tissot
First Station
A thrilling metal walkway clinging to the cliff face, offering dizzying views and a unique perspective of the Alps.
First Flyer Zipline
First Station to Schreckfeld
Soar like a bird over the Swiss Alps at high speeds on this exhilarating zipline adventure.
Mountain Cart Adventure
Schreckfeld to Bort
Navigate a scenic downhill track on a gravity-powered cart, a fun ride for all ages.
Hike to Bachalpsee
First Station
An iconic, relatively easy hike to a stunning alpine lake reflecting the surrounding peaks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Go Early!
Check the Weather & Your Pass
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Gondola
Lines for the Grindelwald-First gondola can get long. Arrive before opening to beat the crowds and maximize your adventure time.
🎫 Swiss Travel Pass Discount
If you have a Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Pass, you can get a discount on the round-trip gondola ticket.
☁️ Check Weather Before
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Check visibility before buying tickets, especially for the Cliff Walk.
🥾 Hike to Bachalpsee
The hike to Bachalpsee is stunning, but trails can be snowy in early May. Check conditions beforehand.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Gondola
Lines for the Grindelwald-First gondola can get long. Arrive before opening to beat the crowds and maximize your adventure time.
🎫 Swiss Travel Pass Discount
If you have a Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Pass, you can get a discount on the round-trip gondola ticket.
☁️ Check Weather Before
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Check visibility before buying tickets, especially for the Cliff Walk.
🥾 Hike to Bachalpsee
The hike to Bachalpsee is stunning, but trails can be snowy in early May. Check conditions beforehand.
📸 Capture Epic Views
The gondola ride itself offers incredible panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. Don't miss them!
💰 Adventure Activity Costs
Activities like the First Flyer (CHF 29) and Mountain Cart (CHF 21) have separate costs. Factor these into your budget. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views and the thrilling adventure activities like the Cliff Walk, First Flyer, and Mountain Carts. The hike to Bachalpsee is a highlight for many. However, the popularity means significant wait times for attractions and the gondola during peak hours, and trail conditions can be challenging in shoulder seasons.
"Amazing views but too many tourists, all the adventures have to wait for at least 2hours."
Vivianne Lin
"Top station of the cable carts rides. Last stop tk get down at. Clean, well maintained and quick seamless services. Amazed by the infrastructure! Lovely"
Sujay Sreekumar
"One of the most scenic hikes I've been on. Also loved the cows!! I recommend going first thing in the morning when there are less people and the cows are awake and roaming"
Madelaine M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach Grindelwald First is by taking the Firstbahn gondola from Grindelwald village. The ride takes about 25 minutes and offers spectacular views.
Yes, there is parking available in Grindelwald village, near the Firstbahn gondola station. However, it can get busy, so arriving early is recommended.
You can take a train to Grindelwald station, and from there, it's a short walk to the Firstbahn gondola. The gondola is the direct transport to First.
The gondola ride from Grindelwald to First takes approximately 25 minutes.
No, Grindelwald First itself is only accessible via the gondola. Cars can only reach Grindelwald village.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A round-trip ticket for the Grindelwald-First gondola typically costs around 36 CHF, but this can vary. Holders of a Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Pass may receive a discount.
While not always mandatory, buying tickets in advance or arriving very early is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues. 
Yes, Grindelwald First often offers adventure packages that bundle the gondola ride with activities like the First Flyer and Mountain Cart, which can be more cost-effective.
Opening times vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Grindelwald First website for the most up-to-date schedule, as they can change.
Yes, the Swiss Half Fare Card typically offers a 50% discount on the Grindelwald-First gondola ticket.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the First Cliff Walk, the First Flyer zipline, the Mountain Cart ride, and the hike to Bachalpsee. There's also a playground at Bort station.
The First Cliff Walk itself doesn't take long to traverse, perhaps 15-30 minutes, but you'll want to spend more time taking in the incredible views.
The hike to Bachalpsee from First Station is generally considered moderate and relatively easy, taking about 45-60 minutes one way. However, snow can make it challenging in shoulder seasons.
The First Flyer is a zipline that takes you from First to Schreckfeld. It costs around CHF 29 per person and reaches speeds of up to 50 mph.
The Mountain Cart is a gravity-powered cart that you ride down a dedicated track from Schreckfeld to Bort. It's a fun, adventurous way to descend.
📸 📸 Photography
The First Cliff Walk offers dramatic angles, Bachalpsee provides stunning reflections, and the gondola ride itself presents panoramic mountain vistas. +1
Absolutely! The combination of dramatic cliffs, alpine lakes, and sweeping mountain views makes it a photographer's paradise. +1
Early morning often provides the best light and fewer crowds, leading to clearer shots. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also be beautiful.
While you can't operate a camera during the First Flyer or Mountain Cart rides for safety reasons, you can capture photos before and after the activities.
The end of the Cliff Walk, the shores of Bachalpsee, and various points along the hiking trails offer incredible photo opportunities. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Mountain Cart ride is also a hit with older children and teens, offering a fun way to descend. For younger children, the hike to Bachalpsee is manageable, provided the trails are clear of snow.
💰 Budget Travelers
The hike to Bachalpsee is free once you're at the top, making it a great budget-friendly activity. Be mindful of the costs for individual adventure activities like the First Flyer (around CHF 29) and Mountain Cart (around CHF 21).
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. The changing seasons also offer unique photographic opportunities, from vibrant summer greens to crisp autumn colors or winter snowscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Adventure Activities at Grindelwald First
+1Following the Flyer, or as a standalone thrill, the Mountain Cart offers a unique descent. These gravity-powered carts allow you to navigate a specially designed track from Schreckfeld down to Bort, offering a fun and exhilarating ride suitable for most ages.
+1 The First Glider is another zipline option, where you are suspended face-down and pulled backwards up the mountain before being released for a thrilling ride down. These activities are typically priced separately, with the First Flyer costing around CHF 29 and the Mountain Cart around CHF 21. It's advisable to check the official Grindelwald First website for current pricing and to consider purchasing an adventure package for potential savings.
+1The Iconic First Cliff Walk
Walking along the Cliff Walk, you'll experience the sensation of being suspended in mid-air, with panoramic views stretching out in every direction. The walkway culminates in a viewing platform that juts out over the abyss, providing an unforgettable photo opportunity. It's a relatively short experience, taking about 15-30 minutes to complete, but the visual impact is immense.
It's important to note that the Cliff Walk is highly dependent on weather conditions. Strong winds or poor visibility can lead to its closure. Therefore, checking the weather forecast before heading up is essential to ensure you can experience this unique attraction.
Hiking to Bachalpsee: A Scenic Gem
While the trail is generally well-maintained, visitors should be aware of seasonal conditions. In early May, for instance, the path can still be covered in snow, making it challenging or even impassable, and the lake itself might be frozen or obscured by snow.
Beyond Bachalpsee, Grindelwald First serves as a gateway to numerous other hiking routes, catering to various fitness levels. The Bort station, accessible via gondola or the Mountain Cart descent, is also a starting point for family-friendly downhill hikes, such as the one to the village of Grindelwald itself.
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